News

Kingston Moment: Springer Market Square and the heart of Canadian culture

Kingston, ON/July 7, 2017 – This year, Canada marks the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast will come together to honour our great country in meaningful ways. Throughout this historic year, Kingston will be showcasing its ongoing contributions to the nation. Springer Market Square has served as the heart of Kingston and the heart of Canada. As a gathering place and commercial hub for the exchange of goods and ideas, Market Square has and continues to be the cultural core of Kingston. There has been an operating market on this site for more than 200 years, making the Kingston Public Market the oldest in Ontario. The Square remains a place where Kingston residents and tourists find local foods, artisanal crafts and vintage treasures, catch up with friends over a cup of coffee, or skate on a cold winter’s day. Being in the Square makes Kingstonians and visitors a way to enjoy our vibrant community.

It was here where Canada was first declared a nation to the people of Kingston and of Canada. One hundred and fifty years ago, on July 1, 1867, the Royal Proclamation of Confederation was read in Market Square, announcing the creation of the Dominion of Canada. People came from far and wide to witness this historic event and to take part in the celebrations and festivities marking Canada’s birth.

On Aug. 20, 2016, Kingston hosted The Tragically Hip’s final concert and the band’s poignant homecoming. The Hip’s sold-out performance at the Rogers K-Rock Centre was attended by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and broadcast nation-wide and commercial free by the CBC to 11.7 million viewers. An estimated 20,000 fans gathered in Springer Market Square to watch the broadcast and to take part in the nation’s celebration of Canada’s most iconic band. It was one of Kingston’s biggest – and most historic – celebrations ever. Today, a memorial stone in the Square marks the occasion with a lyric from the Hip’s Blow at High Dough: “Everybody was in it from miles around.”

About the City of Kingston
The City of Kingston provides municipal services to 125,000 residents living in this visually stunning, historic city, often ranked one of the best places to live in Canada. Kingston is focusing on being smart and livable as it pursues its vision to become Canada’s most sustainable city. We focus on environmental responsibility, social equity, economic health and cultural vitality -ensuring that today’s decisions don’t compromise our future.